In the United States, one in five Americans live with a mental illness, with nearly two-thirds of people diagnosed with a mental illness not seeking treatment. This startling statistic is due to the stigma that exists when discussing mental illness, often filling a person with fear of being diagnosed and mistrust in getting the help that they truly need. 

To combat this stigma I have sponsored and passed S.632A, which is currently on Governor Cuomo's desk awaiting his signature.

This important piece of legislation would create the "Mental Illness Anti-Stigma Fund" and would be funded by a tax check-off box which would appear on New York State income tax forms.

By creating this tax check-off box, we will provide an easy way for New Yorker's to make a donation that will be used to fund essential educational programs and services. These critical programs will work to eliminate the stigma and lead to a better understanding of mental illness by all.

Join us in our fight against the stigma of mental illness and make your voice heard.  Call Governor Cuomo's office at (518) 474-8390 to sign this important piece of legislation into law!